Bottle rocket sales may return to North Dakota, referendum filed

BISMARK, North Dakota: Last year the North Dakota Legislature banned the sale and distribution of bottle rockets, but state citizens are now asking for the ban to be overturned. This week on May 11 a group of firework stand operators filed a veto referendum with the Secretary of State to ask state voters to repeal the new law. Specifically the measure would allow bottle rocket sales to people older than 17 years old. The 2009 approved law went into effect in August. Firework stand owners argue that it is "ludicrous to allow the usage of bottle rockets but not the sale of them." According to Lu Ann Moore, bottle rockets made up about 15 percent of her sales.[1]

The secretary of state has not yet approved the filed petition language for signature circulation. However, should the petition be approved, supporters will be required to collect a minimum of 12,844 signatures by August 4 to qualify for the November ballot.[1]